​Banana Yucca, Indian Banana,Yucca baccata,Asparagus Family (Asparagaceae)

Found in canyons, dry openings, slopes
Seen blooming in May on Espinosa Trail, Santa Fe NF

Banana Yucca is one of several yucca species that grow in our area. Its stiff, broad, bluish-green leaves grow to 2½ feet long with a sharp point and fibrous edges. The large, waxy flowers grow in drooping clusters on a stem about as tall as the leaves, although the flowers can extend above the plant. The other yuccas have narrower leaves and a flowering stem above the leaves. Most yuccas have dry hard fruits, but the fleshy fruits of the Banana Yucca can be 7 inches long and look like fat, green bananas. These fruits were a traditional food of several Native American tribes. They were prepared by roasting or baking, stripping out the seeds, pounding the remaining flesh into a pulp, forming the pulp into flat cakes, and sun-drying them for later use. Besides food, yuccas have other traditional uses. The leaf blades can be woven into baskets, used to make brushes, or with the fleshy leaf tissue removed the remaining stiff fibers can be made into a combination needle and thread. The roots are prized as a natural soap. These yuccas are often used in landscaping, as can be seen in front of Café Sierra Negra. Yuccas are the State flower of New Mexico. Source.

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